starter motor operation

[sib8292]

My SC has developed a fault which is puzzling me. On occasions, after first starting on the button every time, I can return to the car having parked at my detsination and find that turning the key has no effect at all; no starter motor, no clicks from sticking solenoid, nothing. Leave it for hours and it will turn over normally.

Its not a battery fault, I've tried a replacement and checked immediately after this has happened, full charge. The lights don't dim when the key is turned when this fault has manifested itself

Obviously an electrical fault, but what? I don;t think there are any relays in the starter circuit as far as I can tell otherwise I would suspect that.

Ideas welcome please...

 

[bones]

I had those symptoms once. I had the starter motor reconditioned and everything has been sweet since. You could by a new one but I think the recommended route is to recondition as the teeth on the flywheel and starter motor are better matched that way. Not sure how much this is an old wives tale but you can see the sense in it.

 

[sib8292]

Thanks both for your replies. I'll be interested to hear from Hesperus when his car's problem has been sorted.

 

[t11ner]

I recently had my starter re-conned due to a very similar symptom and it is still playing up [] so removing the immobiliser circuit that cuts the starter is next! Always awkward to test as the thing won't play up when I need it to [&:]

 

[sib8292]

Chaps I've been thinking about this problem. Given that when it happens there is not a peep from the starter motor, I would have started with the immobiliser. Except that on my car there is no immobiliser that I know of! Now when I got the car 15 years ago it had been the subject of some bodging by a previous owner/owners, and all I took over was a set of ignition keys.

Is it possible that the car has some immobiliser circuitry that somehow kicks in when it feels like it? Sounds daft as I type this but I don't know if the cars were supplied with an immobiliser as standard? If so then I would not be surprised if my theory has some weight.

Oh just to add to the mystery, the problem seems to happen when my wife drives the car, but not to me. She moves the seat forward; why/how could that affect anything? And why does the problem resolve itself?

 

[bernard tester]

I would gess there is a bad segment on the armiture and you need a recon starter but check the earths first.

 

[Guest]

hello,
The workshop manual has a section starter symptoms.

problem.

Starter does not operate when ignition switch is turned to start?
Probable cause.

a)Ignition switch or wiring leading from ignition switch to solenoid faulty.
(Less than 7.5 volts at solenoid switch)
Test for volts at terminal 50 of solenoid switch with ignition at start. If not at least 7.5 volts test for voltage at terminal 50 at ignition switch at start. Replace ignition switch or eliminate open circuit between ignition switch and solenoid switch.

b)Solenoid switch faulty( less than 7.5 volts to starter motor)
Test for volts at field winding with ignition at start .(if not at least 7.5 volts replace solenoid)

c) Test for volts at field windings connector with ignition at start If at least 7.5 volts replace starter motor .
Cheers
John